Phalena Paricīyate - Judge by the Result

The Vedic axiom phalena paricīyate means that one is recognized by the result of their actions. This article explores how Śrīla Prabhupāda utilizes this principle to establish a standard of practical verification in spiritual life. By assessing the tangible outcomes of an activity—whether it be personal sādhanā or missionary work—one can objectively determine its spiritual quality and success.

Vedic Standard of Verification

Vedic culture is based on practical authority rather than sentimental speculation. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that we must not accept something simply because it is presented nicely; we must judge it by the outcome it produces.

• According to Vedic culture, one has to judge by the result. Not by if you simply talk nonsense, one has to accept.
• It is said, phalena pariciyate: one is recognized by the result of his actions.
• The devotees can surpass the reactions of karma and achieve wonderful results, even without effort. It is also said, phalena pariciyate: one's success or defeat in any activity is understood by its result.

Indicators of Spiritual Advancement

One's spiritual standing is not determined by their title, dress, or ability to meditate, but by their character and lifestyle. Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that if a person claims to be advancing in spiritual life but remains attached to bad habits like smoking or illicit activities, their claim is false.

• Maya is everywhere. Maya will dictate, "Oh, you are so tired. Why don't you come out and smoke a cigarette?" Yes. And he thinks he is advancing, the nonsense is advancing. No. Phalena pariciyate. By the result one has to be judged how far he has advanced.
• Meditation? That you can see from the result. You'll find so many persons meditating, but see their life. Phalena pariciyate. One has to be judged by the result.
• One has to be judged by the result. You have worked very hard and supposed to be very rich man, but if I see that you have no nice apartment, neither any car, neither any opulence, so what kind of businessman you have earned.

Validating the Preaching Mission

The success of a spiritual movement is verified by its practical influence on the world. Śrīla Prabhupāda points to the distribution of literature, the opening of centers, and the development of strong conviction in the devotees as the proof that the method is working.

• I can say my method is very nice. You can say your method is very nice. But we have to judge by the result. Bhagavata says that that process of religion is very good following which one becomes a lover of God.
• I want that you distribute our books very widely, as many as possible, then people will get the right information. We show people by the results: so many centers, happy devotees, big books, strong conviction. Let people judge who is better by the results.
• Whatever we have to do to induce people to take a book, that is nice. We shall judge the thing by its result, not by its means. At the same time, we must avoid irritating or disappointing anyone by cheating them or telling big lies which become detected.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the principle of phalena paricīyate serves as a safeguard against hypocrisy and illusion. Whether judging one's own progress or the validity of a spiritual path, the result is the final arbiter. As Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches, a tree is known by its fruit, and a philosophy is known by the transformation it brings to the hearts of the people.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Judge by the Result. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.